Social Issues

Human Sexuality
(From left) Zara Torreglosa, Slats Toole, the Rev. Shawna Bowman and Eli Cooper-Nelson, the liturgical artists who led the “Sacred, Trans & Blessed” Hymn Festival, pose for a photo Oct. 8 at Grace Lutheran Church in Evanston, Ill. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Ecumenical gathering celebrates gifts of transgender people

“Sacred, Trans & Blessed” Hymn Festival challenges Christian communities to examine practices that have contributed to the exclusion of transgender people.
Mission and Ministry
Patricia Petudzai Mapani lights a candle held by Tabitha Mushishi, The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s unit coordinator, during a memorial service for members of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women in Botswana in April 2025. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

United Methodist elected to worldwide role

“I am driven by passion to support, encourage, empower women and girls and being the voice of the voiceless.”
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Jairous Mafondokoto, administrative assistant to the bishop in the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Area, congratulates Pamela Saungweme for offering her home to the church for use in drug and substance abuse programs. Saungweme had been moved by the testimony of a family whose son had overcome addiction. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

Women put faith into action across Zimbabwe

United Methodists and other Methodist women are responding to drug abuse, violence, trauma and poverty by offering practical support to women, girls and families.
Social Concerns
Ännä White. Photo courtesy of the author.

Be brave enough to let the light find you

A United Methodist lay member shares how a former pastor’s honesty about depression allowed her to realize she didn’t have to be healed to find a home at church.

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